Electric-lighting fixture



M. HERSKOVIITZ. I ELECTRIC LIGHTING FIXTURE.

APPLICATI ON FILED MAR. 3. I919.

Maxim? 2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Patented Nov. 1, 1921.

M. HERSKOVITZ.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING FIXTURE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR- 3, I919.

Patented Nov. 1, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEETZ.

is n.

MAX. HERSKOVITZ, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ELECTRIC-LIGHTING FIXTURE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 1t, 1921.

Original application filed October 18, 1918, Serial No. 258,721. Divided and this application filed March T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MAx HERSKOVITZ, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, Cook county, and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric-Lighting Fixtures, of which the following is declared to be a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to electric lighting fixtures and its primary object is to provide a fixture that may be quickly and readily assembled, wired and attached to a' ceiling, wall or other support. Another object is to provide an electric li hting fixture with a receptacle, as a part of the fixture itself, for removably holding the interior mechanism of any of the well-known standard electric sockets (both single and plural), snap switches, chain pull switches, plugs (both single and plural), insulators and the like. The standard commercial sockets, switches, and so forth, used in electric lighting fixtures, are universally provided with a case or cover constructed of brass, fiber or pprcelain, but the interiors of such standard commercial sockets, switches, and the like, with their usual casings omitted, were not commonly used in lighting fixtures. The brass casing is an expensive portion of the switch and one of the objects of this invention is to provide an electric lighting fixture with an integrally formed receptacle wherein the interiors, alone, of standard commercial sockets. switches, and the like, may beheld in the fixture. In other words, I dispense with the use of the casing of electric sockets, switches, and so forth, in the present fixture, thereby saving a large proportion of the cost of the lighting fixture itself, and considerable labor. Moreover, the invention provides for a form of fixture that may be accommodated to various types of fixtures, such as pendant stem fixtures, chain fixtures, and ceiling fixtures.

One of the particular advantages of this invention is that it does away with the insulating joints which must be used in almost all electric lighting fixtures when installing them. This is because I can use heavy fixture wire at the extreme end of the fixture.

Another advantage of my invention is that the combined stem and receptacle may be installed in new or old buildings and afterward the remainder of a fixture or chande- Serial No. 280,259.

lier may be purchased, wired, and arranged with a plug and hung upon the combined stem and receptacle and attached thereto substantially in the familiar way of attaching an ordinary portable or standard electric lamp.

My device, when installed in buildings, allows for the changing of styles of electric lighting fixtures, for its simplicity permits these changes with a minimum of expense, as the ordinary layman can install his own lighting fixtures just as he would his own table lamp.

Another great advantage of my invention is that the device may have different methods of assemblage, thereby serving separate and distinct features. The lower holder is used to lock up the receptacle and may be provided with a hook, loop or other attaching means for completing the chandelier portion of the fixture. The receptacle portion is so arranged that it an hold practically the interior of any kind of standard commercial socket. switch. plug, or the like, which is locked in place by the lower holder.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter fully set forth and claimed. The subject matter described and claimed herein has been divided out of an application on electric lighting fixtures filed by me on October 18, 1918, Serial No. 258.721.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an electric lighting fixture containing a simple embodiment of the present invention:

Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section taken through a fragment of the receptacle and lower holding member;

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical section of a fragment of the lower holding member;

Fig. 4: is a side elevation of the device partly broken out and illustrating a different form of switch than the one shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation showing a modified form of the lower holding member;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a second modie fication of the lower holding member;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation partly broken out of the device, showing certain additional features; v

Fig. 8 is a detail vertical cross section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the two members of the device separated from each other and showing the use of'a plug and socket in connection therewith; and

Fig. 10 is a view, partly side elevation and partly central vertical section, of a socket device adapted to be used in connection with the present invention.

Referring to said drawings and first to Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The reference character 15 designates the tubular stem portion which is formed at its upper end with a threaded neck 16 adapted to be attached to a suitable supportin member which is secured to the ceiling. K canopy l7 surrounds the upper end of the stem portion 15 and incloses the supporting and connecting members and wires.

The lower end of the stem portion 15 is enlarged to provide adownwardly opening receptacle 18 for holding the interior of an electric switch, plug, insulator, or the like, here shown as comprising a switch 19 of the chain-pull type. For convenience the stem portion and receptacle will be termed the combined stem and receptacle. Detachably secured to the open end of receptacle portion is the lower holding and locking device 2l. Said holding and locking device hugs the switch and locks the same in place in the receptacle, making it secure therein. The means here shown for detachably connecting said combined stem and receptacle with the holding and locking device comprises lugs 25 on the receptacle portion 18 and bayonet slots 26 formed on the internal face of the holding and locking device.

The bayonet slots open up through the upper edge of the holding and locking device and have end portions 27 extending at right angles to the other portion of the slots. It will be understood that by inserting the lugs into the bayonet slots and turning one member upon the other, the lugs will be brought into the portions 27 of the slots, thereby connecting the two members together. The receptacle portion 18 has an annular flange 28 formed on its external face against which the upper edge of the holding and locking device 24 is firmly held net slot connections. If desired a set screw 29 may be threaded in the holding and lock ing device, and after the parts have been assembled it may be screwed into the interior of the holding and locking device, where its end stands in front of an edge of a notch 30 which is formed in the receptacle portion and receives the bracket 21of the chain-pull switch 19. Obviously, any other simple means may be provided for preventing accidental disconnection of the receptacle and holding and locking device. If desired, the screw 29 may be made to bear against the body portion of the switch so as to hold it firmly in place.

by the lugs and bayo-- The combined holding and locking device is formed on its lower side with a cap or cover 35 which closes the open end of the receptacle portion and covers the switch. An aperture 36 is formed in the cap 35, through which the electric conductor cords .42 may extend to the lamp below. The conductor cords 41 extend up from the switch, through the stem and out through holes formed adjacent its upper end. The ends of said cords 41 are joined to the house wires as usual. A loop orother connecting member 37 is formed upon the lower side of the cap or cover, which loop may support a chain 38 or other contrivance that carries a lamp fixture 39 of any desirable form. This form of fixture provides a chain fixture of neat and attractive appearance.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4:, the combined stem and receptacle, and the lower holding and locking device are constructed substantially in accordance with the form illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. In this case, however, the chain-pull switch 19 is of a slightly different form and its chain 21". extends down through the aperture 36 of the cap 243.

In the form illustrated in Fig. 5, the combined holding and locking device 35 in general, is constructed similarly to the locking device illustrated in Fig. 2 and is formed with an internally threaded nipple 37. for the reception of a threaded member of any desirable kind, as for instance, a stem. plug. loop or the like. A canopy, such as is seen in Fig. 1, may be. attached to the lower end of the nipple 37"-, by the stem, plug, loop or the like and the entire combined stem and receptacle and locking device may be inclosed in the canopy. As in the form of locking device illustrated in Fig. 2, a hole is provided in the bottom thereof. and with the hole 37". above the threaded part of the nipple provides an outlet from the bottom of the locking device for the conductor wires.

In the form illustrated in Fig. 6, the combined holding and locking device 35*, has a threaded opening in its lower wall in which may be secured a tubular stem or other suport.

p In the form illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. the combined stem and receptacle 15. 18 and locking device 24, with the pull switch 19 contained therein are substantially similar to the same parts illustrated in Fig. 2. An additional feature is embodied in this form, namely: provision for an attachment plug, whereby a drop light may be attached to the device, or whereby the current of elec tricity may be conveyed to any adjacent electric device. In this form, the combined stem and receptacle is provided with a hollow boss 44., opening to the interior of the receptacle. An ordinary threaded shell 4,5 of an electric socket is held in said boss by any suitable means, here shown as comprising lugs 46, formed on the internal wall of the boss, which seat in holes 47, formed in the side of the shell. Each hole 47, has a lateral branch 48, and a tongue 49, is left standing behind said lateral branch. A paper, cardboard, or other insulating cover 50, surrounds the shell and insulates it from the boss 44. In assembling the parts, the tongues 49, are first bent back into the interior of the shell and the paper covering forced into the holes 47 and branches 48. The shell, with its paper covering, is then pushed into the hollow boss until the lugs 46 pass through the branch openings 48, and into the holes 47. The shell is then turned to bring the lugs into those parts of the holes 47 beyond the branch openings 48, and the tongues 49 are then bent back to their original places where they lie beside the lugs 46. and with the other ends of the holes 47, prevent relative rotation between the boss and shell, and consequently prevent removal of the shell. In addition to said fastening means, or independent of them. I may use a screw 51, for holding the shell in place, saidscrew being threaded in the boss 44 and bearing against the insulating cover 50. The center contact piece of the shell, and the shell itself are wired to the socket'19 as shown. When desired, the shell may be plugged into, and the current carried to any electrical device.

In the form illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the stem 15, of the combined stem and receptacle is shown as made shorter than in the other forms, and is illustrated as internally threaded for attachment to a threaded support. The receptacle portion 18 and combined holding and locking device 24. are substantially similar to the ones shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and 7 The receptacle contains a socket member 40, which may be of the push and pull type if desired, or the ordinary screw threaded shell type may be used. Preferablv the socket member is covered with insulating material 41, which is formed with a lug 42, which rests in the notch 30, of the receptacle and prevents relative rotation between the receptacle and socket member. The lug may be omitted when a socket member of the push and pull type is used, although it is preferable to employ the same.

The form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 9, is particularly advantageous because the combined stem and receptacle, with the contained socket member, may be installed in new and old buildings as a part of the electric wiring system and wired fixtures or chandeliers of any suitable design or type equipped with a locking member 24, and plug member 43 may be attached to the receptacle and socket member, by unskilled persons, thereby saving the cost of employing skilled electricians for installing the fixtures.

One of the particular advantages of the device is, that the usual insulated connection between the fixture and ceiling or wall may be omitted. This is because heavy insulated wire 41. protruding from the upper end of the fixture, may be used between the socket, switch, plug, or insulator and the house wiring when installing the fixtures. The usual lighter wires 42. may lead from the socket, switch, plug, or insulator to the electric lamp socket or sockets carried by the fixture. Furthermore, when arranged as seen in Fig. 9, the combined stem and receptacle may be installed in the house as part of the electric wiring system, and any of the well known chain or pendent stem fixtures or chandeliers, may be attached to the loop, by opening a link in the chain and inserting it into the loop; the conductor wires of the fixtures may then be connected to the socket 40, by the plug 43, thereby completing the fixture. Fixtures complete with the plug 43. may be constructed. which can be attached to the combined stem and receptacle. without any greater degree of skill than that required in connecting up a table or stand lamp with an electricsocket. The plug 43 is inserted in the socket 40. and the locking device 24 placed on the receptacle and given a partial turn.

More or less variation of the exact details of construction is possible without departing from the spirit of this invention; I desire, therefore. not to limit myself to the exact form of the construction shown and described. but intend, in the following claims. to point out all of the invention disclosed herein.

I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. An electric lighting fixture. comprising a hollow fixture stem formedat one end with means for directly attaching it to a fixture supporting member and formed at its other end with an open ended enlargement to provide a receptacle for the reception of an electric contact member, and a lower holding member detachably connected to the open end of said receptacle and formed with a cap having fixture supporting means thereon, and having a direct outlet for conductor cords separate from said supporting means.

2. An electric lighting fixture, comprising a hollow fixture stem formed at one end with means for directly attaching it to a fixture supporting member and having an outlet opening at said end, said stem being formed at its other end with an open ended flanged enlargement to provide a receptacle for the reception of the interior of an electric switch, and a lower member abutting against the flange of said receptacle and detachably closing the open end of the receptacle, said cap having fixture supporting means integrally formed therewith.

3. An electric lighting fixture, comprlsing a hollow fixture stem formed at one end with means for directly attaching it to a fixture supporting member, and having an outlet opening in its side adjacent said end, said stem being formed at its other end with an open ended enlargement to provide a receptacle for the interior of an electric switch, and a lower combined locking and holding member abutting against said receptacle' and formed with a centrally apertured closure cap for closing the open end of the receptacle and with a solid fixture supporting loop.

4. In an electric lighting fixture, a tubular fixture stem having a receptacle formed integral therewith and opening out at one end, said stern having outlet openings adjacent its upper end, and a lower holding and locking member detachably secured to said receptacle and formed with a cap having a chain supporting loop projecting therefrom, the receptacle and holding and locking device serving to contain a switch from which the conductor cords may run through said stem and cap. A

5. In an electric lighting fixture, a tubular fixture stem having an outlet opening in its side adjacent one end, and at the other end a receptacle formed integral therewith and opening out at one end, and a combined holding and locking device detachably secured to said receptacle, and formed with a centrally apertured cap having solid fixture supporting means extending therefrom.

6. In an electric lighting fixture, a tubular fixture stem having an outlet opening in its side adjacent one end, and at the other end a receptacle formed integral therewith and opening out at one end, a holding and locking member abutting against said receptacle detachably secured thereto and cooperating therewith to contain an electric contact device, and havin a solid supporting member on its lower side, heavy conductor wires leading away from said contact device and through said stem, and light conductor wires leading from an aperture in said contact device through said lower holding and locking member.

7. An electric lighting fixture comprising an integrally formed combined stem and receptacle having a hollow boss projecting with aplurality of angularly disposed, intercommunicating receptacles arranged for the reception of electric contact members, and a shell in one of said receptacles.

9. In an electric lighting fixture, a tubular stem having hollow enlargements for holding the interior of a switch and a shell, and a holding and locking member detachably secured to the enlargement containing the interior of the switch.

10. An electric lighting fixture comprising a stem formed with a downwardly opening receptacle for a switch or socket, and a second outlet, and a shell in said outlet, sub stantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. An electric lighting fixture, comprising a hollow fixture stem formed at one end with means for attaching it to a fixture supporting member and formed at its other end with an open ended enlargement to provide conductor cords.

MAX HERSKOVITZ. 

